Backpacking In Alderney: My Charming Stay At La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne

Summer 2022 meant my first ever time to go backpacking in Alderney, itself quite staggering given that I sailed past this island over 50 times a brace of decades earlier and visited 200 countries before ticking this joyful island off. Back in 2009, whilst working on the Condor ferries routes, we’d often “do a Malo, Pete, Helier or Cherbourg”. That quartet of destinations all pretty close to the joys of Alderney.

Working on the ferries in St. Malo, France but not far from Alderney

Yet for some reason in those halcyon days, my wandering backpack only ever made it to Lihou, Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Jersey. This time, I was delighted to be in Alderney and the timing was perfect as I was in Southampton in England for the Euro 2022 football tournament, where I’d be supporting Northern Ireland. I got away to enjoy the thrills of Alderney. Alderney boasts a population of 2,000 people, a plethora of bars and restaurants and this, the best hotel in the country – La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne. Here are the reasons you should stay here at La Ville!

Backpacking In Alderney: My Charming Stay At La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne

1.Stylish Decor

La Ville Hotel oozes style in its decor and appearance. Easy on the eye really works. From the exterior facade to my room, to the bars to the elegant reception – looking good means feeeling good.

Stylish Decor At La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne, Alderney

2.Superb Comfortable Rooms

I was upstairs in a large cosy room overlooking St. Anne’s Church. Everything was very cosy, comfortable and spotless. The view over the church at sunset was stunning.

My bathroom at La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne, Alderney

My room at La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne, Alderney

Backpacking In Alderney: My Stay At La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne

My room at La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne, Alderney

Backpacking In Alderney: My Stay At La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne

Window view at La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne, Alderney

3.Bang Central Location in Alderney

La Ville Hotel is located on the main street, Victoria Street in Saint Anne, the capital city of Alderney. Saint Anne is well located in Alderney since it is right in the centre of the island. For an overland backpacker, this is perfect as you can easily walk everywhere from here. It also means that at night you are by all the restaurants and bars. I toured Saint Anne, the capital city, and loved it.

Backpacking in Saint Anne, Alderney

4.Friendly International Staff

Over the course of three days, I was served by staff from Sweden, Colombia and England here. In other venues in Alderney, I also encountered people from Thailand, Scotland and Madeira, Portugal. An international flavour works incredibly well here – all the world in harmony. Roger the main boss helped plan my trip and is an expert in hospitality management.

International Staff at La Ville

5.Top Chefs – Brilliant Breakfast

I had two excellent breakfasts here, just superb.

Breakfast in Alderney

Full Aldernic Breakfast

Alternative option with avocado At La Ville Hotel in Saint Anne

6.Multiple Bars and Cafes

There are actually a few bars in the complex – The Aviator Cafe, The Chez Bar, plus you can relax in the reception area or in the front beer garden.

Aviator Bar

Chez Bar

7.The Food Dude and Prosecco Sunsets

I arrived in Alderney on Friday afternoon/evening and immediately, I was invited to the Prosecco Sunset. The Catering Truck, The Food Dude is a brilliant niche – it’s a portable food truck that can cover different parts of the island. I enjoyed the hot ball sink at The Bottom of Fort Tourgi (Platte Saline), Alderney.

Prosecco Sunset Alderney epic

Thirsty Thursdays: Prosecco Sunset At The Bottom of Fort Tourgi (Platte Saline), Alderney

8.Karaoke and Themed Nights

The bars have themed nights, which is also aided by the international variety of staff. This includes karaoke, themed food (I had spicy Mexican food the first night) and special nights. The bars take on different themes – on the weekend I was there, there was a rugby sports day (Saturdays) and karaoke (Sundays). It all adds to the magic of Alderney…

Live rugby on at La Ville

9.Airport Proximity

On a small island, in a small country/debated country in the Bailiwich of Guernsey, you can actually walk to the airport. This is a novelty, but of course if you fancy an extra beer in town (Saint Anne) before heading, a taxi or a lift can easily be organised.